Arkansas § 5-54-103 - Resisting arrest — Refusal to submit to arrest.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-54-103 — Resisting arrest — Refusal to submit to arrest., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-54-103. Resisting arrest — Refusal to submit to arrest.
A person commits the offense of resisting arrest if he or she knowingly resists a person known by him or her to be a law enforcement officer effecting an arrest. As used in this subsection, “resists” means using or threatening to use physical force or any other means that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to any person. It is no defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the law enforcement officer lacked legal authority to make the arrest if the law enforcement officer was acting under color of his or her official authority. Resisting arrest is a Class A misdemeanor. A person commits the offense of refusal to submit to arrest if he or she knowingly refuses to submit to arrest by a person known by him or her to be a law enforcement officer effecting an arrest. As used in this subsection, “refuses” means active or passive refusal. It is no defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the law enforcement officer lacked legal authority to make the the arrest if the law enforcement officer was acting under color of his or her official authority. Refusal to submit to arrest is a Class B misdemeanor.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-54-103
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-54-103 cover?
Section 5-54-103 ("Resisting arrest — Refusal to submit to arrest.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arkansas § 5-54-103?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-54-103" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 5-54-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.